Mining apparatus



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v MINING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1930 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 I V V I g 5 hvenzzrx fliwrzedflw w Patented Nov. 20, 1934 NI ED STATES 7 1,981,746" MINING APPARATUS Charles F. Osgood, Claremont, N. H., assignor to Sullivan Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application June 1c, 1930, Serial No. 461,488 33 Claims. (o1. 26228) This invention relates re. mining apparatus and more particularly has reference to improvements in coal mining apparatus ofthe so-called combined horizontal and shear cutting type adapted to operate while supported and guided by a mine trackway.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus. Another object is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus of the so-called combined horizontal and shear cutting type having improved. adjustable kerf cutting mechanism having a comparatively wide range of adjustment, whereby kerfs may be cut in the coal face at practically any desired location. A further object is to provide. an improved adjustable kerf cutting mechanism operative to cut kerfs in parallel planes either horizontally or vertically. Another object is to provide an improved combined horizontal and shear cutting type track cutter adapted to operate while supported and guided by a mine trackway and having improved adjustable kerf cutting mechanism whereby the cutter bar may be positioned to cut a horizontal kerf at or near the level of the mine floor outside of and below the level of the mine traekway or to cut a vertical herf. Yet another object is to provide in a mining apparatus of the aforesaid character improved adjustable kerf cutting mechanism whereby the cutter bar may be positioned to cut a horizontal lzerf at or near the level of the mine floor or at or near the level of the mine roof, or

to cut vertical kerfs between the ribs, thereby.

enabling the apparatusto accommodate itself to practically every cuttingcondition encountered wherever the use of mounted track cutters is possible; Still another object is to provide in an apparatus of the aforesaid character an improved adjustable turntable mounting for the cutting mechanism, and improved mechanism for adjusting the cutting mechanism relative to the turntable whereby the cutter bar may be positioned to cut a herf in any desired plane between the mine roof and minefloor. Still another ob ject is to provide an improved coal mining apparatus of the wheel mounted type adapted to perate while supported and guided by a mine trackway and having improved adjustable supporting means having great flexibilitywherebyj the cutting device may be positioned at or near the level of the mine floor outside and below the level of the mine trackway, at or near the level of the mine roof, or may be adjusted into positions to make vertical or shear cuts, it also being possible to tilt the cutting mechanism about transverse and longitudinal axes to vary the angle of the cutter bar relative to the horizontal. Another object is to provide an improved combined horizontal and shear cutter having an improved arrangement and combinationxof. parts. These and other objects of this invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear in the course of the following description, and as more particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims i In theaccompanying drawings there is shown for purposes of illustration one form which the invention may assume in practice.

In-these drawings,-

Fig. 1 is a plan View of the illustrative embodimentof the improved mining apparatus.

Fig.2 is a side elevational view of'the mining apparatus shown in Fig 1. 1

Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1', the'cutter bar being shown in a position to cut a kerfat the level of the mine floor. I

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 with parts shown in horizontal section to illustrate structural de tails.

Fig. 5 is a central longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 55 Of'Fig. 4.

. Fig. .6 is a horizontalsectional view taken substantially online 66 of Fig. 3.

Fig. '7 is a detail'sectionalview 77 of Fig. 4.

.Fig'. '8 isa transverse .vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 8.8 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a'transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 9-9 of Fig. 4.

Fig; 10 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken on'line 10-10 of Fig. 1.

Fig.'11 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 1111 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 12 is a detail vertical sectional View taken on line 1212 of Fig. 5. 1

Fig. 13 is a detail sectional view illustrating a portion of the turntable tilting mechanism.

Fig. 14 is. a detail sectional view illustrating the locking means for the rotatable cutter head. In this illustrative embodiment of the invention there. is shown a coal mining apparatus of the wheel mounted, track supportedand guided type generally comprising a self-propelled truck taken on line 1 mounted on wheels 2, adapted to travel along y a mine trackway 3. Mounted on the truck wheels for tilting movement relative thereto is a I horizontal turntable 4 which has mounted thereon for vertical adjustment relative thereto a frame or support 5. Supported on the forward end of the frame 5 for rotation about a longitudinal axis is a cutter head 6 having adjustably mounted thereon a cutter bar '7. Suitable motor operated devices are provided for driving the truck wheels, for rotating the turntable relative to the truck, for adjusting the frame 5 vertically relative to the turntable, for rotating the cutter head 6 about its axis and for adjusting the cutter bar '7 relative to the cutter head as will hereinafter be described.

The truck 1 comprises a circular casting 8 on which the turntable 4 is mounted and a rearwardly extending truck frame portion 9. The truck frame is supported by front and rear axles 10 and 11 by which the truck wheels 2 are carried. The tilting mechanism interposed between the truck frame and the truck wheels for tilting the cutting mechanism both on longitudinal and transverse axes relative to the truck wheels will now be described. The rear axle 11 is journaled in a bolster 12 which, in the form shown, is substantially hollow and extends the full length of the axle between its supporting wheels as shown in Fig. 11. Centrally of this bolster is provided a pair of oppositely disposed longitudinally extending bearings 13, 13 in which are mounted alined shafts 14 and 15. These shafts project outwardly beyond their respective bearings and are journaled in trunnions 16 and 17 extending downwardly from the turntable casting. By means of the trunnion support just described it will be seen that the entire mechanism may be tilted upon a longitudinal axis relative to the rear axle 11. Adjustment of this tilting movement is provided by a suitable mechanism such as shown in Figs. 5, 11 and 12. Integral with the bolster 12 is a projecting arm 18 herein extending forwardly and having at its forward end a pair of trunnions 19, 2G in which are supported a pair of pins 21, 22 arranged on a longitudinal axis and connected to an enlarged socket member or nut 23. A screw 24 is threaded in the socket member 23 and this screw is rotatably mounted on a vertically disposed pin 25. This pin is pivotally connected to the turntable casting by means of a cross pin 26 secured in an eye 27 at the upper end of said vertical pin and bearing in a pair of yokes 28, 28 formed integral with a support plate 29 secured to the turntable casting (see Figs. 11 and 13). A retaining nut 30 is threaded on the lower end of the vertical pin 25 to retain the screw 24 thereon. Suitable means are provided for rotating the screw respective to the socket 23 which means may comprise a plurality of laterally extending projections having sockets 31 therein for receiving a suitable turning instrument. From the above description of the adjusting mechanism it will be seen that the turntable casting together with the turntable and other elements supported thereby may be tilted relative to the rear axle by screwing the screw 24 up or down in the nut 23, the pivotal connections of the coacting threaded members with their respective elements affording compensation for the slight variations in the normal parallel relationship of the turntable casting and the axle bolster.

The front axle 10 is also mounted in a bolster 33 extending, as shown in Fig. 12, between the supporting wheels and provided with a trunnion connection in alinement with the trunnion connection of the rear axle 11 so as to permit the turntable casting to tilt on a common longitudinal axis when the longitudinal tilting adjustment is manipulated. This trunnion mechanism on the front axle 10 comprises a pair of pins 34, 34 extending between supporting members 35, 35 integral with the front bolster 33 and having a socket 36 spanning the axle 10 and provided with arms 37, 37 bearing on said pins (see also Fig. 5). The forward axle 10 is also provided with means for tilting the turntable casting on a transverse axis which in the present construction comprises a threaded screw member 38 carried by the socket 36 and extending upwardly therefrom into threaded engagement with a socket member or nut 39 rotatably mounted in a depending boss 40 formed integral with the turntable casting. The turning member is provided with means for rotating the same which may comprise a plurality of projecting arms having sockets 41 therein for engagement by a turning instrument in a similar manner to that already described in connection with the longitudinal adjusting mechanism. It will be observed that the raising or lowering of the turntable casting relative to the front axle causes the entire frame to be tilted about a transverse axis with the rear axle and supporting wheels forming the fulcrum.

The adjusting devices relative to the two axles provide a simple and efficient means for tilting the turntable together with the cutting mechanism either on a transverse or a longitudinal axis, all of the mechanisms being compactly located beneath the turntable casting so as to require a minimum overall height of the entire apparatus. The front axle is free to rock on a longitudinal axis respective to the rear axle, thereby affording relative flexibility of the axles when travelling over an uneven trackway.

Suitable mechanism is provided to propel the truck along the mine trackway in either direction at a relatively high transport speed or at a relatively slow speed appropriate for cutting. Carried on the rear end of the truck frame 9 is a motor 42, which may be of the reversible electric type, provided with an armature pinion 43 meshing with a gear 44 fixed to a transverse shaft 45. Said shaft is journaled in a bracket 46 mounted on the truck frame adjacent the gear 44, and a bracket 47 at the opposite end driven from this gear train as hereinafter de- 3" scribed. The second train of gearing is for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine trackway at either a relatively high transport speed or at a slow speed appropriate for cutting. As shown herein the gear train for swinging the turntable and driving the cable winding drum 48 comprises a pinion 49 keyed to the shaft 45 and meshing with a gear 50 loosely mounted on a counter-shaft 51. This shaft is journaled in the bracket 47 at one end and in a housing 52 at the other end. The gear 50 is keyed on a pinion 53 meshing with a gear 54 keyed on a sleeve 55 loosely mounted on the shaft 45. A pinion 56 is formed on the opposite end of sleeve 55, and meshes with a gear 5"! on a sleeve 58 loosely mounted on the shaft 51. A sliding clutch member 59 having clutch teeth on opposite sides thereof is splined on shaft 51 for selective engagement with coacting teeth on pinion 53 or sleeve 58. In Fig. 8 the clutch member 59 is shown in neutral position. The arrangement is such that when the clutch member is thrown to the left it will engage pinion 53. Shaft 51 will then be driven through gears 49, 50, 53. is thrown in the opposite direction to engage with the sleeve 58, the shaft 51 will be driven at a lower speed through the members 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 5'7 and 58. A worm 60 is keyed t0 the shaft 51 and this worm meshes with a When the clutch member 59 worm wheel 61 as shown in Fig. 10. Said worm wheel is secured to a hub 62 loosely mounted on a clutch sleeve 63. An annular collar 64 is spaced from the lower face of the hub 62 but secured to rotate therewith through a plurality of connecting pins 65 arranged-at intervals around the periphery thereof. An-annular ring 66 is keyed to the clutch sleeve 63 and is secured in frictional engagement between the hub 62 and the collar 64. A frictional driving con nection is thus provided between the clutch sleeve 63 and the two members 62, 64, by means of tension on the pins 65 maintaining a frictional contact by said members on opposite sides of the ring 66. As shown herein, a pair of bearing rings 67, 67 may be interposed between the friction members to take up wear.

The clutch collar 63 is loosely mounted on a' vertically disposed shaft 70. A longitudinally movable clutch member 71 is also mounted on the shaft below the clutch sleeve 63 and is provided with a plurality of clutch segments 1.72;

72, extending upwardly through apertures 73, 73, formed in the clutch sleeve 63. Clutch sleeve '63 and clutch member 71 therefore rotate together at all times. The upper ends of the clutch segments 72, 72 are adapted to engage clutch jaws 75 carried in a sleeve 76 keyed'to the upper end. of the shaft 70. A pinion 77 is keyed at the lower end of shaft 70 and meshes with a gear 78 journaled on a stud 79. This gear 78 meshes with a gear 80 which drives a spur pinion 81 (see also Fig. 5) in turn meshing with a toothed rack 82 formed about the periphery of the turntable 4.

By means of the gearing just described, the

turntable together with the cutting mechanism carried thereby may be swung angularly relative to the circular base casting 8 of the truck. This angular movement may be effected at two speeds by reason of the selective gearing included in the, train as described. By reason of the frictional drive through the members 62,64 and 63, the amount of effective power delivered to effect swinging of the cutting mechanism may be limited so that in case unusually hard cutting is encountered, the friction clutch will slip, and thus protect the parts from breakage. A driving con nection is also afforded to the cable winding drum 48 which is adapted to receive a draft cable of the usual form; Such cable may be used for sumping the apparatus when the latter is moved along the trackway with the cutter bar locked at a forwardly projecting angle to make the initial cut. This cable may also be usedif desired for feeding the cutter bar to the coal to make a slabbing cut with the cutter bar arranged at substantially right angles to out along one side of the trackway in the manner well understood to those skilled in the art. The winding drum 48 is loosely mounted on a stud 83 forming a part of the truck frame and is provided at its upper surfaces with a plurality of clutch jaws 84 adapted to be engaged by the clutch member 71 when the latter is moved downwardly.

Means are also provided for affording a positive lock against angular movement .of the turntable and herein comprises a latch 85 hinged to the gear casing 52 and adapted to fit in a transverse'slot 86 formed at the upper end of the sleeve 76. Since the latter sleeve is keyed on the drive shaft 70, the gearing beyond this point may be locked, including the turntable 4, which is driven'thereby. In the arrangement shown it will be observed that the friction device comprising the members 62, 64 and 63 is interposed between this locking mechanism and the motor, so that in case it is attempted inadvertently to drive the shaft 70 when it is locked, the friction clutch will slip, and thus protect the parts from reakage. When-the latch 85 is raised from the slot 86 the sleeve 76 and the shaft are free to rotate and drive the gearing associated with the turntable for swinging the cutter bar in the usual manner. I

The train of gearing for driving the axles and wheels to propel the apparatus comprises a pinion 88 journaled on the shaft 45 and connectible with the shaft by-asliding jaw clutch 89. This pinion meshes with a spur gear 90 keyed to a shaft 91 suitablyjournaled within the bracket 47 and having secured thereto a chain sprocket 92. This sprocket is connected by a chain 93 to a sprocket 94 keyed to the rear axle 11. The front and rear axles 10 and 11 are connected in driving relation by a' usual chain andsprocket connection 95. Loosely mounted on the shaft 51 is a sleeve 96 secured to the sleeve 58 and having fixed thereto a pinion 97 meshing with a spur gear 98'keyed to a sleeve 99 loosely mounted on the shaft 45. Splined to this sleeve 99' is' a jaw clutch 100 for connecting the sleeve to the pinion 88. From the foregoing it will be evi-' dent that when the clutch 89 is connected and the clutch 100 is released the truck wheelsmay be driven from the motor 42 through the gearing 43, '44, shaft 45, gearing 88, 90 and the chain and sprocket connection 92, 93', 94 to effect propulsion of the apparatus at a relatively fast transport speed. When the clutch 89 is released and the clutch 100 connected: and the sleeve 58 is connected to the shaft 51 by the clutch 59, the truck wheels may be driven at a relatively slow speed appropriate for cutting from the motor 42 through the gearing 43, 44, shaft 45, gearing 49, 50,53, 54, 56, 57, 97, 98, 88, 90 and the chain and sprocket connection 92, 93, 94. The mechanism for bodily adjusting the frame member or support 5 vertically relative to the turntable 4 to vary the elevation of the cutting mechanism herein comprises a horizontal motor 101 having its casing attached in a suitable manner to the rear end of the frame 5 as shown in Fig. 4. The longitudinally extending armature shaft 102 of this motor has keyed therto a. pinion 103 meshing with a spur gear 104 keyed to a longitudinally extending shaft 105. Fixed to this shaft is a worm 106 meshing with a worm wheel 107 loosely'mounted on a transversely extending horizontal shaft 108 suitably journaled within a housing 109 carriedby the rear motor head. This worm wheelis connectible by a suitable friction clutch 110 to the shaft 108. Keyed to the opposite ends of the shaft 108 are worms 111 meshing with worm wheels 112 keyed to longitudinally extending parallel shafts 113 arranged at opposite sides of the frame member 5 as shown in Fig. 4. Keyed to these shafts are spur pinions 114nieshing with vertical racks 115 secured to the inner sides of a pair of upright members 116 arranged at opposite sides of and rigidly secured to the turntable 4. The parallel shafts 113 are suitably journaled within bearings carried by frame members 117 detachably secured to the sides of the framemember 5. Formed vertically on the opposite ends of these frame members 117 are guideways 118 in which are slidably received guides 119 herein. formed integral with the upright members 116. It will thus be seen that when the friction clutch 110 is applied the frame or support 5 together with the cutting mechanism may be elevated relative to the turntable 4 from the motor 101 through the worm gearing 105-, 167, 111, 112 and spur pinions 114 meshing with the vertical racks 115. The worm gearing is self-locking and automatically maintains the frame member 5 in its different elevated positions when the friction clutch is released.

Now referring to the cutting mechanism, it Will be noted that the cutter head 6 is provided with a neck having secured thereto a cylindrical bearing member 121 rotatably mounted Within a bearing sleeve 122'secured to the front end of the frame member or support 5 as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Extending axially through the neck is a shaft 123 connected at its rear end by a self-aiming coupling 124 to a shaft 125 fixed to the forward end of the armature shaft 102 of the motor 101 as shown in Fig. 5. Carried by this shaft 125 is a spur pinion 126 meshing with a spur gear 127 keyed to a longitudinally extending shaft 128 suitably journaled within the frame member 5. Fixed to the forward end of this pinion is a bevel pinion 129 meshing with reverse bevels 130 and 131 loosely journaled on a transverse horizontal shaft 132 likewise suitably journaled within the frame 5. These reverse bevels are selectively connectible with the shaft 132 by multiple disc clutches 133, 134 respectively, these clutches having any suitable operating means. Keyed to the shaft 132 is a worm 135 meshing as shown in Fig. 7 with a worm wheel 136 keyed to a 10ngitudinally extending shaft 137. This shaft is keyed to an alined shaft 139 having secured thereto a spur pinion 140 meshing with an in ternal gear 141 herein formed integral with the cylindrical bearing member 121 supporting the cutter head 6. It will thus be seen that, depending upon which of the friction clutches 133, 134 is applied, the cutter headmay be rotated about the axis of the neck shaft 123 by power in either of opposite directions. As shown in Fig. 14, a suitable pivoted dog 142 having teeth engaging with the teeth of the internal gear 141 is employed for locking the cutter head against rotation about its axis. This dog is secured to a shaft 143 having a suitable operating lever 144.

Now referring to the mechanism for driving the cutting mechanism it will be observed that fixed to the forward end of the neck shaft 123 is a bevel pinion 145 meshing with a bevel gear 146 suitably journaled and housed within the cutter head frame. This bevel gear is connectible with a shaft 147 having connectible thereto by a sliding jaw clutch 143 a chain sprocket 149 which engages and drives an endless cutter chain 150 mounted for orbital movement about the margin of the cutter bar 7. It will thus be seen that the cutter chain may be connected in driving relation with the motor 101 or remain idle at will.

The cutter bar 7 is mounted on the cutter head for adjustment toward and from the axial line of the neck and this adjusting mechanism comprises parallel guideways 151 supported by the neck frame and extending perpendicularly to the neck axis. Slidably mounted on these guideways are guides 152 secured to members 153 fastened to a cutter supporting frame 154. It will be observed that the frame 154 has secured thereto an annulus 155 which, together with an annular esnvac shoulder 156 upon the frame 154, provides an annular guideway 157 for a rotatable frame member 158. Secured to this frame member 153 is a frame 159 which carries the cutter car 7. As illustrated, the bevel gear 146 is connected in non-rotative relation to a sleeve-like nut element 160. Coaxial with this nut element is a splined sleeve 161 which, at its upper end, is keyed to a sleeve member 162. This sleeve member is alternatively connectible by a sliding clutch device 163 to a relatively stationary member 164 secured to the frame of the cutter head or to the nut member 160. Suitable clutch operating mechanism is provided including a pivoted shipper yoke 165 secured to an operating shaft 166. Also secured to this shaft externally of the cutter head frame is an operating lever 167 (see Figs. 1 and 2). Threadedly engaging the nut 166 are threads 168 formed on the drive shaft 147 for the cutter chain 150. This shaft has splineways 169 therein cooperating with splines 170 upon the sleeve member 161. This screw shaft 147 has a collar 171 thereon engaging a suitable combined bearing and supporting means 172 for the housing or frame 154 and the mechanism supported thereby so that the screw shaft 147 is adapted to effect adjustment of the cutter bar supporting frame 154 along the guideways 151 toward and from the neck axis. 1t will thus be seen that when the clutch device 163 is moved into a position to connect the sleeve 161 to the relatively stationary member 164, the screw shaft 147, due to its splined connection with the sleeve 161 is held against rotation and that upon rotation of the nut member 160 the screw shaft is moved axially to effect adjustment of the cutter bar 7 toward or from the neck axis, depending upon the direction of motor rotation. It will also be noted that when the clutch device 163 is shifted into its opposite position, connecting the sleeve 161 to the bevel gear 146, the sleeve 161 and screw shaft 147 may be rotated together at the same angular speed with no axial adjustment of the shaft, and at that time the screw shaft 147 acts only as a transmission shaft for driving the cutter chain 150.

Mechanism is also employed for effecting swinging movement of the cutter bar 7 about its pivot relative to the frame 154 and herein comprises a spur gear 175 (see Fig. 3) secured for rotation with the shaft 147 and meshing as shown in Fig. 6 with spur gears 176 and 177. Rotatable with the spur gear 176 is a worm 173 meshing with a slow speed worm wheel 179. This worm wheel is connectible by a usual multiple disc clutch 180 to a transverse shaft 131 having fixed thereto a worm 182 meshing with a worm wheel 133 suitably journaled within the frame 154. This worm Wheel as shown in Fig. 3 is keyed to a shaft 184 having secured thereto a spur pinion 185 meshing with an internal gear 186 formed on the annular supporting member 158 for the cutter bar. Rotatable with the spur gear 177 is a worm 187 meshing with a fast speed worm wheel 183 having its teeth inclined oppositely from the teeth of the worm wheel 179 and operative upon application of a multiple disc clutch 189 to effect drive of shaft 181 at a fast speed in a direction opposite from the slow speed drive described above. It will thus be seen that upon application of one or the other of the disc clutches 180, 189 the cutter bar 7 may be swung about a pivotal axis coincident with the axis of the screw shaft 147 at a relabar swinging mechanism is then applied and the tively high bar positioning speed in one direction or at a relatively slow speed appropriate for cutting in the opposite direction. The worm gearing is of the self-locking type and therefore, when disconnected from the motor, automatically maintains the cutter bar in its different angular positions of adjustment. I

It will be understood that the various clutches above referred to have any suitable operating means and that in certain instances, for instance in the control of the clutches 89, 106, suitable operating means may be employed so that when one clutch is connected the other is released. Electrical energy may be conducted to the electric controlling apparatus -for the motors 42 and 101 through a usual flexible-conductor cable wound upon a cable reel supported on the rear end of the truck frame. This cable reel may be driven by the motor 42 in any usual manner; For braking the truck wheels there is provided in the present instance a brake drum 195(see Fig. 8) herein formed integral with the pinion 88 of the truck wheel driving mechanism. Cooperating with the grooved periphery of this brake drum is a usual contractible brake band 196. Anysuitable means may be employed for controlling this brake. When the pinion 88 is disconnected from the shaft 45 by the clutch 89 the brake drum which is geared directly tothe truck wheels; may be operated to control movement of the apparatus along the mine, track'- way.

The preferred mode of operation of the improved mining appar tus will now-be described. lhe apparatus is propelled about the mine forwardly along the mine trackway at a relatively fast transport speed through the truck driving gearing 43, 44, 88, 90 driven by the motor 42. When the apparatus is travelling about the mine the turntable4, cutter head 6 and cutter bar 7 are disposed in their transport position with the cutter bar above the level of the trackway as shown in Fig. 2. iWhen the working face is reached the fast truck wheel drive is disconnected from the motor 42 by releasing the clutch 89. If it is desired to make a swinging cut at or near the level of the mine floor in front of the end of the trackway the operator first applies the friction clutch 189 controlling the fast speed. bar swinging mechanism and the cutter bar 7 is swung about its pivot relative to the cutter head at a relatively fast bar positioning speed. from the position shown in Fig. 1 laterally to a position adjacent the right hand rib of the entry,

, the friction clutch 189 thereafter being released.

The operator then shifts the clutch device 163 to a position to connect the sleeve 161 to the relatively stationary member 164 and upon starting of the motor 101 the cutter bar may be moved rectilinearly aiong the guideways 151 downwardly away fromthe neck axis until it occupies a position at or near the level of the mine floor, the adjusting mechanism being driven from the motor 101 through the neck shaft 123 and bevel gearing 145, 146. The clutch device 163 is then shifted downwardly to disconnect the sleeve 161 from the relatively stationary member 164 and to connect the sleeve to the bevel gear 146 and the clutch device 148 moved to a position to connect the cutter chain drivesprocket 149 to the shaft 147, and as a result, the cutter chain 150 is rapidly circulated about the margin of the cutter bar 7, the screw shaft 147 then acting only as a transmission shaft with no axial adjustment. The friction clutch 180 controlling the slow speed cutter bar 7 is swung transversely in its planeacross the front end of the trackway to make an arcuate cut beneath the coal. When the cutter bar reaches a position adjacent the left hand rib, the friction clutch 180 is released. After the completion of the swinging out, the cutter chain 150 is disconnected from its drive, the clutch device 163 shifted to connect the sleeve 161 to the relatively stationary member 164 and upon reversal of the motor 101 the cutter bar is moved upwardly rectilinearly along the guideways 151 toward the neck axis to the position shown in Fig. 2, the clutch device 163 thereafter being moved to its neutral position. The motor 42 is then reversed, clutch 89 is connected and the apparatus is then propelled rearwardly at a high speed along entry.

If it is desired'to cut a horizontal kerf at or near the level of the mine-floor outside and below the level of the mine trackway, the operator releases the turntable lock 85, starts the motor 42 in the proper direction, and upon connection of the clutch 59, the turntable 4, together with the cutting mechanism supported thereby, is swung horizontally from the position shown in Fig. 1 toa position wherein the bar pivot is located outside the mine trackway, the turntable being swung from the motor 42 through the gearing 43, 44, 49, 50, shaft 51, worm gearing 60, 61 and spur gearing 77,78, 80 and 81 engaging the circular rack 82 secured to-the turntable. During horizontal swinging movement of the turntable relative to the truck the cutter bar 7 may be swung simultaneously about its pivot relative to the cutter head in the opposie direction under the mine trackway to the mine the control of the slow speed bar swingclutch the clutch 59 and bar swing clutch 180 and then' locks the turntable 4 against angular movement by swinging the locking member 85 into its connected position.

The clutch device 163 is then shifted to a position to connect the sleeve 161 to the relatively stationary member 164 and upon actuation of the driving gearing 145, 146 the cutter bar is moved rectilinearly downwardly along the guideways 151 away from the neck axis until it occupies a position at or near the level of the mine floor. The clutch device 163 is then moved to connect the sleeve 161 and the nut 160 together, and the clutch device 148 connected, thereby effecting circulation of the cutter chain about the margin-of the cutter bar.

The gear 88 is then connected to the sleeve 99' by the clutch 100 and the motor 42 is then started in the proper direction and the apparatus propelled forwardly bodily along the mine trackway at a relatively slow cutting speed sumping the cutter bar beneath the coal. The truck wheels are driven at a slow speed at that time from the motor 42 through the gearing 43, 44, shaft 45, gearing 49, 50, 53, 54, 56, 57, 97, 98, 88 and 90. After the competion of the sumping cut the clutch 59 is disconnected and the brake 196 set. The operator then releases the locking member 85 for the turntable and upon connection of the gear 57 to the shaft 51 by the clutch 59 the turntable 4, together with. the cutting mechanism supported thereby, is swung horizontally at a low cutting speed to effect horizontal swinging movement of the cutter bar in its plane. During the initial swinging movement of the turntable the cutter bar 7 is swung about its pivot in a reverse direction under the control of the friction clutch 189 until the parts assume a straight line position wherein the cutter bar '7 extends parallel to a line including the bar pivot and the turntable axis. After the cutter bar has reached the left hand rib and the swinging out has been completed, the cutter bar '7 is again swung about its pivot rearwardly under the control of the friction clutch 189 while rotation of the turntable is continued, the turntable and the cutter bar swinging simultaneously in opposite directions at that time until they assume an angularly related position. The turntable 1 is then looked against rotation and the brake 1.96 released, and upon reversal of the motor 42 and connection of the clutch 100 the apparatus is propelled bodily rearwardly along the mine trackway at a slow cutting speed, withdrawing the cutter bar from beneath the coal. As a result, it will be evident that a horizontal plane kerf will be cut at or near the level of the mine floor in accordance with the arcwall method of cuttting. After the completion of the cut beneath the coal the parts are again returned to their transport position as shown in Fig. 2.

A horizontal kerf may be cut. at or near the level of the mine roof by connecting the elevating mechanism to the motor 101 by application of the friction clutch 110, thereby con-- necting the elevating pinions 114 to the motor and moving the cutter supporting frame 5 rectilinearly along the vertical racks 115. The cutter head 6 is then rotated about the neck axis under the control of one or the other of the reverse frictions 133, 134 to a position wherein the cutter bar is located at the top of the cutter head. The cutter bar is then adjusted vertically rectilinearly along the guideways 151 away fromv the neck axis until the same occupies a position adjacent the mine roof. The cutter bar is then sumped in, swung transvers ly in its plane and withdrawn from the coal in accordance with the usual arcwall method of cutting. It will herein be noted that during any of the horizontal cutting operations described above, for instance to accommodate the cutter bar to the variation in pitch of coal scams, or to cut on a rolling bottom, the cutting mechanism may be tilted about either a transverse or a longitudinal axis simply by adjusting the tilting screws 24, 38 to vary the angular position of the turntable 4 relative to the horital. For instance if it is desired to tilt the tip end of the cutter bar downwardly, this may be accomplished by adjusting the front elevating screw 38, while if it is desired to tilt the bar edgewise about as longitudinal axis the rear elevating screw 24 is adjusted. It will also be noted that upon certain adjustment of the elevating screws the turntable may be tilted into different angular positions about transverse and longitudinal axes as desired, thereby enabling the cutter bar to be positioned to suit different mining conditions.

A shear or vertical out may be inserted in the coal face simply by applying one or the other of the reverse frictions 133, 134 controlling the reverse bevels 130, 131 respectively, thereby enabling the cutter head 6 to be rotated about the neck axis, by the motor 101 through the gearing 126, 1 27, the bevel pinion 129, one or the other of the reverse bevels 130, 131, worm gearing 135, 136, shaft 137, clutch 138, shaft 139, and pinion 1&0 meshing with the internal gear 141 secured to the cutter head to bring the cutter bar 7 into a position to swing vertically in its plane. During the shearing operation the cutter bar is first sumped in, then swung downwardly in its plane and thereafter Withdrawn from the coal in a manner similar to that described above in regard to horizontal cutting in accordance with the arcwall method. It will further be noted that the cutter bar may not only be adjusted vertically into different elevated positions relative to the turntable, but that the same may be moved bodily toward and from the neck axis into different parallel planes in any of its positions about the neck axis, thereby enabling the apparatus to cut parallel horizontal kerfs and parallel vertical kerfs and by adjustment of the cutter head about the neck axis in a plurality of intersecting planes.

As a result of this invention it will be noted that an improved coal mining apparatus of the so-called combined horizontal and shear cutting type is provided which is adapted to cut horizontally at or near the level of the mine floor outside the mine trackway and below the track rails also to make shear or vertical cuts. thereby facilitating the shooting of the coal from the solid and increasing the quantity of lump coal obtainable. It will further be noted that under certain conditions the cutter bar may be adjusted to cut at or near the level of the mine roof, or if desired in parallel planes between the mine roof and mine floor. It will still further be noted that an improved coal cutter of the combined horizontal and shear cutting type is provided having improved adjustable kerf cutting mechanism whereby the cutter bar may be positioned to cut in parallel planes either verti- 1 cally or horizontally within a comparatively wide cutting range, the adjusting mechanism for the cutting mechanism being extremely flexible, it being possible to operate the apparatus as a mounted bottom cutter, top cutter, shear cutter and slabbing machine, thereby enabling the apparatus to accommodate itself to practically every mining condition encountered Wherever the use of mounted track cutters is possible. These and other uses and advantages of the improved i mining apparatus will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there is in this application specifically described one form which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable on said truck, means for tilting said turntable relative to the horizontal, a support mounted on said turntable for bodily adjustment rectilinearly into different elevated positions relative thereto, a pivoted kerf cutter, mechanism for adjusting said kerf cutter into diiferent parallel horizontal planes relative to said support, and means for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot.

2. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horpivot relative to said frame;

izontal turntable on said truck, means for tilt ing said turntable relative to the horizontal, a vertical guideway mounted on said turntable, a support mounted on said guideway for adjustment vertically therealong, a vertical guideway carried by said support, a frame adjustable along said last mentioned guideway, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said frame and mechanism for adjusting said support and frame along their respective guideways.

3. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable mounted 'on said base to rock relative thereto about a transverse axis, a support mounted on said turntable for adjustment into different parallel elevated positions relative thereto, said support overlying said turntable in all positions of relative adjustment, a horizontally swingable kerf cutter, a cutter head mounted on the front end of said support and having a vertical guideway, a frame mounted on said guideway for adjustment therealong into different parallel elevated positions, said kerf cutter being pivotally mounted onsaid adjustable frame to swing relative thereto, motor operi ated devices for adjusting said frame along said to said cutter head, and motor operated-devices for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot relative to said frame. I

, 4. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable mounted on said base to rock relative thereto about transverse and longitudinal axes, a support mounted on said turn table for adjustment rectilinearly into different parallel elevated positions relative thereto, a horizontally swingable kerf cutter, a cutter head mounted on the front end of said support and having a vertical guideway, a frame mounted on said guideway for adjustment therealong into different parallel elevated positions, said kerf cutter being pivotally mounted on said adjustable frame to swing relative thereto, motor operated devices for adjusting said frame relative tosaid cutter head, and'motor operated devices. for swinging said kerf cutter about its guideway relative 5. In amining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable mounted on said base to roclr relative thereto about a transverse axis, a support overlying and mounted on said turntable for adjusting into different parallel 'elevated positions relative thereto, a horizontally swingable kerf cutter, a cutter head mountedon the front end of said support and having a vertical guideway, a frame mounted on said guideway 1 for adjustment therealong into different parallel elevated positions, said kerf cutter-being pivo-v tally mounted 'onsaid adjustable frame to swing relative thereto, motor operated devices-for adjusting said frame relative to said cutter head'to position said lrerf cutter to cut a horizontal kerf at the level of the mine floor, and motor operated devices for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot relative to said frame whenso positioned. y I

6. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable mounted on said base to rock relative thereto about transverse and longitudinal axes, a support mounted on said turntable for adjustment intodifferent parallel elevated positions relative thereto, said support re-. maining parallel to its original position during translation from one of such positions to another, a horizontally swingable kerf cutter, a cutter head mounted on the front end of said support and having a vertical guideway, a frame bodily adjustment porting structure frame arm andsaid kerfz cutter for positioning mounted'on' said guideway for adjustment therealong into different parallel elevated positions, said kerf cutter being pivotally mountedon. said adjustable frame to swing relative thereto, motor operated devices for adjusting said frame relative to said cutter 'headto positionisaid kerf cutter to cut ahorizontal kerf at the level of the mine floor, and motor operated devices for swinging said lrerf cutter about its pivot relative to said frame when so positioned.

7. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable mountedon said truck tohrock about ahorizontal axis to change its angle in altitude, a support mounted on said turntable for into'different elevated positions relative thereto, a rotatable'cutter head mounted on the forward end of said support, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head to'swing relative thereto, and mechanism for rectilinearly adjusting said kerf cutter into different parallelplanes relative to said cutter head. v

8. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted ito travel along a mine trackway, a-

horizontal turntable overlying the front truck wheel axle and tiltable in a'vertical direction relative to the trackway, devices betweenthe trucklwheels' and turntable beneath the latter for tilting saidturntable, a frame mounted on said turntable in .overlying relationto the latter and havingia horizontally extending arm-like extension overhanging the front edge of the turntable and projecting in advance of thefront truck wheels, mechanism for adjusting said frame into different elevated. positions relative to said turntable, a kerf cutter, and an adjustable supporting structure intervening said. extension frame arm and said kerf cutter for positioning said kerf cutter to cut a horizontal kerf outside and below the level of the mine track-. way and to cut a horizontal kerf in. planes above the top'of said turntable. i

9.'In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported turntable mounted for tilting movement about transverse and longitudinal axes and adapted to 'run. along a mine trackway, devices beneath said turntable for tilting said turntable about said transverse and longitudinal axes, a frame overlying and mounted on said turntable and having ahorizontally extending arm-like ex-. tension overhanging the front edge of the turntable and projecting in advance of the front support wheels, mechanism for adjusting said frame into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, akerf cutter, andan adjustable supintervening said extension said kerf cutter to cut a horizontal kerf at the level of the mine bottom outside and below the level of the mine trackway and to cut a horizontal kerf in planes above the top of said turntable.

10; In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted totravel along a mine trackway, a horizontal widely extended circular turntable mounted on said truckfand having upstanding guideways thereon, means for tilting said turntable relative to the horizontal, a support mounted onsaidturntable for bodily adjustment along. said guideways relative thereto into different elevated positions, a motor carried by said support,- devices-driven by said motor for adjusting said support into aforesaid elevatedpositionsrelative to said turntable, a {cutter head'mounted' on the forward end of said; supi cutter and for swinging said kerf port for rotation relative thereto about a longitudinal axis and overhanging the front end of the truck in advance of said turntable, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head and adjustable with said cutter head into horizontal and vertical cutting positions, devices driven by said motor for rotating said head realtive to said support to position said kerf cutter as aforesaid, and devices driven by said motor for actuating said kerf cutter and for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot.

11. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal widely extended circular turntable mounted on said truck and having upstanding guideways thereon, means for tilting said turntable relative to the horizontal, a support mounted on said turntable for bodily adjustment along said guideways relative thereto into different elevated positions, a motor carried by said support, devices driven by said motor for adjusting said support into aforesaid elevated positions relative to said turntable, a cutter head mounted on the forward end of said support for rotation relative thereto about a longitudinal axis and overhanging the front end of the truck in advance of said turntable, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head and adjust able with said cutter head into horizontal and vertical cutting positions, said kerf cutter being adjustable toward and from the head axis, devices. driven by said motor for rotating said cutter head relative to said support, devices driven by said motor for actuating said kerf cutter about its pivot, and devices driven by said motor for adjusting said kerf cutter toward and from the head axis.

12. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal widely extended circular turntable mounted on said truck and having vertically extending guideways thereon, means for tilting said turntable relative to the horizontal, a

' Isupport mounted on said turntable for bodily adjustment along said guideways relative thereto into different elevated positions, mechanism for adjusting said support along said guideways, a cutter head mounted on the forward end of said support for rotation relative thereto about a longitudinal axis and overhanging the front end of the truck, said head having vertical guideways thereon extending downwardly below the turntable in advance of the forward edge of the turntable, a frame mounted on said cutter head for adjustment along said guideways toward and from the head axis, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said adjustable frame and adjust able with the cutter head into horizontal and vertical cutting positions and with said frame toward and from the head axis, motor operated devices for actuating said kerf cutter and for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot, motor operated devices for rotating said cutter head relative to said support, and motor operated devices for adjusting said kerf cutter supporting frame toward and from the head axis.

13. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable on said frame, a support mounted on said turntable for rotation therewith relative to said truck frame and for adjustment into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, said support overhanging the front end of the truck frame, ad-

justable kerf cutter supporting means including depending guideways on the forward extremity of said overhanging support, a horizontal kerf cutter arranged on said guideways for adjustment therealong into different elevated positions including horizontal cutting positions in planes adjacent the mine bottom and horizontal cutting positions in planes above the top of said turntable, mechanism for rotating said turntable and adjusting said support as aforesaid, and devices arranged beneath the turntable between the front truck wheels and the truck frame for tilting said truck frame about the axes of the rear wheels to change the angle in altitude of the kerf cutter.

14. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to travel along a mine track- Way, a horizontal turntable on said truck frame, a support mounted on said turntable for rotation therewith relative to said truck frame and for adjustment into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, hanging the front end of the truck frame, adjustable kerf cutter supporting means including a rotatable cutter head mounted on the forward overhanging'extremity of said support for rotation relative thereto about a horizontal axis, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head and rotatable with said head about the head axis into horizontal and vertical cutting positions including horizontal cutting positions in planes above the top of said turntable, mechanism for rotating said turntable and adjusting said support as aforesaid, and devices arranged beneath the turntable between the front truck wheels and the truck frame for tilting the latter about the axes of the rear truck wheels to vary the angle in altitude of the head axis.

15. In a mining apparatus, a Wheel supported truck frame adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable on said frame, a support mounted on said turntable for rotation therewith relative to said truck frame and for adjustment into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, said support overhanging the front end of the truck frame, adjustable kerf cutter supporting means including depending guideways on the forward extremity of said overhanging support, a horizontal kerf cutter arranged on said guideways for adjustment therealong into diiferent elevated positions including horizontal cutting positions in planes adjacent the mine bottom and horizontal cutting positions in planes above the top of said turntable, mechanism for rotating said turntable and adjusting said support as aforesaid, and devices arranged beneath the turntable including adjustable mounting means for the front truck wheels, and means associated with said mounting means for tilting said turntable relative to the front truck wheels about the axes of the rear truck wheels to change the angle in altitude of the kerf cutter.

16. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable on said truck frame, a support mounted on the turntable for rotation therewith relative to said truck frame and for adjustment into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, said support overhanging the front end of the truck frame, adjustable kerf cutter supporting means including a rotatable cutter head mounted on the forward overhanging extremity of said support for rotation relative thereto about a horizontal axis,

a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head and rotatable with said head about the head axis into horizontal and vertical cutting positions including horizontal cutting positions in planes above the top of said turntable, mechanism for rotating said turntable and adjusting said support as aforesaid, and devices arranged beneath the turntable for tilting the latter about the axes of the rear truck wheels to vary the angle in altitude of the head axis and including mounting means for the front truck wheels, and means associated with said mounting means for adjusting the turntable relative to the front truck wheel axes.

17. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable overlying the front truck wheel axes and tiltable in a vertical direction relative to the trackway, adjustable mounting means for the front truck wheels arranged beneath the turntable, devices between the truck wheel mounting means and turntable beneath the latter for tilting said turntable, a frame overlying and mounted on said turntable and having a horizontally extending arm-like extension overhanging the front edge of the turntable and projecting in advance of the front truck wheels, mechanism for adjusting said frame into different elevated positions relative to the turntable, a kerf cutter, and an adjustable supporting structure intervening said extension frame arm and said kerf cutter for positioning said kerf cutterto cut a horizontal kerf at the level of the mine bottom and to cut a horizontal kerf in planesabove the top of said turntable;

18. In a mining apparatus, a wheelsupported turntable mounted for-tilting movement about transverse and longitudinal axes and adapted to run along a mine trackway, mounting'means for the front truck wheels, adjustable devices be-v neath the turntable including means associated with said mounting means for tilting said turntable about said transverse and longitudinal axes, a frame overlying and mounted on said turntable and having a horizontally extending arm-like extension overhanging the front edge of "the turntable and projecting in advance of the front support wheels, mechanism for adjusting saidframe into different elevated positions relative to the turntable, a kerf cutter, and an adjustable supporting structure intervening said extension frame arm and saidkerf cutter for positioning said kerf cutter to cut a horizontal kerf at the level of the mine bottom and to cut a horizontal kerf in planes above the top of said turntable. v

19. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to run' along a mine 'trackway and mounted for universal tilting movement relative to the horizontal, a horizontal turntable mounted for rotation on said truck frame, a support overlying and mounted on said turntable for adjustment into different elevated positions relative thereto, mechanism for adent elevated positions along said guideways.

' 20. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to travel along a mine trackway and mounted for universal tilting movement relative to the horizontal, a horizontal turntable rotatably mounted on said tiltable truck frame, a frame structure overlying and mounted on said turntable and overhanging the forward end of said truck frame, mechanism for adjusting said frame structure into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, adjustable kerf cutter supporting means including, vertical guideways mounted on the overhanging extremity of said frame structure and extending downwardly in advance of the forward end of the truck frame, and a horizontal kerf cutterv mounted on said guideways for adjustment therealong into different elevated positions in-' cluding horizontal cutting positions in planes above the top of said turntable.

v 21. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to travel along a mine traclzway and mounted for universal tilting,

movement relative to the horizontal, a horizontal turntable rotatably mounted on said tiltable truck frame, a frame structure overlying and mounted on said turntable and overhanging the forward end of said truck frame, mechanism for adjusting said frame structure into different elevated positions relative to said turntable,.adjustable kerf cutter supporting means including vertical guideways mounted on the overhanging extremity of said frame structure and extending downwardly in advance of the forward end of the truck frame, and a horizontal kerf cutter mounted on said guideways for adjustment therealongintc different elevated positions, said frame structure being adjustable with said turntable horizontally relative to said tiltable frame and said kerf cutter being adjustable along said guideways, said kerf cutter adjustable into a position to cut a horizontal kerf at the level of the mine bottom outside and below thellevel of the mine trackway and to cut a horizontal kerf in planes above the top of said turntable. v

22. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to run along a mine trackway and mounted for universal tilting movement relative to the horizontal, a horizontal turntable mounted on said truck frame for rotation relative thereto, a frame structure mounted on said turntable and overlying the forward end of said tiltable truck frame, mechanism for adjusting said frame structure into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, adjustable kerf cutter supporting means including a rotatable cutter head mounted on the forward end of said frame structure, and a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head, said kerf cutter adjustable with said cutter head about the head axis into horizontal and vertical cutting positions including a horizontal cutting position in,

planes above the top of said turntable.

23. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable on said truck, a support mounted on said turntable for bodily adjustment into different elevated positions relative thereto, mechanism for adjusting said support relative to said turntable, a cutter head mounted on said support at the front end thereof for rotation relative thereto about a longitudinal axis and overhanging the front end of the truck, a kerf v cutterlpivotally mounted on said cutter head and adjustable with said cutter head into horizontal and vertical cutting positions including a horizontal cutting position in planes adjacent the mine bottom, mechanism for tilting said cutter head about a transverse axis relative to the truck wheel axes to change the angle in altitude of the head axis, motor operated devices for swinging said kerf cutter about its pivot, and motor operated devices for moving the apparatus bodily along the mi -e trackway to effect rectilinear sumping and withdrawal movements of said kerf cutter.

24. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable on said truck, vertical. guideways mounted. on said tiu'ntable, a support mounted on said guideways for adjustment verv tically therealong, mechanism for adjusting said support along said guideways, a cutter head mounted on said support for rotation relative thereto about a longitudinal axis, mechanism for rotating said cutter head about its axis, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head and adjustable therewith into parallel. horizontal cutting positions above and below the head axis including a horizontal cutting position in planes adjacent the mine bottom and in parallel vertical cutting positions at opposite sides of the head axis, and mechanism for tilting said out ter head about a transverse axis relative to the truck wheel axes to vary the angle in altitude of said kerf cutter when in aforesaid hori ontal cutting positions.

25. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable on said truck, a support mounted on said turntable for bodily adjustment into different elevated positions relative thereto, mechanism for adjusting said support relative to said turntable, a cutter head mounted on the front end of said support for rotation relative .thereto about a longitudinal axis and overhanging the front end of said truck, mechanism for rotating said cutter head about its axis, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head to swing relative thereto through a complete semicircle from one side of the apparatus to the other about an axis located a substantial distance in advance of the front truck wheels, said kerf cutter being adjustable with said cutter head through a complete circle about the head axis into horizontal, vertical and any desired intermediate cutting position, said lrerf cutter being adjustable into a horizontal cutting position in planes adjacent the mine bottom, and mechanism for tilting said cutter head about a transverse axis relative to the truck wheel axes to vary the angle in altitude of said kerf cutter when in aforesaid horizontal cutting positions.

26. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable overlying the front truck wheel axle and tiltable in a vertical direction relative to the trackway, devices between the truck wheels and turntable beneath the latter for tilting said turntable, a frame overlying and mounted on said turntable and having a horizontally extend ing arm-like extension overhanging the front edge of the turntable and projecting in advance of the front truck wheels, mechanism for adjusting said frame into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, a kerf cutter, and an adjustable supporting structure intervening said extension frame arm and said kerf cutter for positioning said kerf cutter to cut a horizontal kerf outside and below the level of the mine trackway.

27, In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported turntable mounted for tilting movement about transverse and longitudinal axes and adapted to run along a mine trackway, devices beneath said turntable for tilting said turntable about said transverse and longitudinal axes, a frame overlying and mounted on said turntable and having a horizontally extending arm-lil e extension overhanging the front edge of the turntable and projecting in advance of the front support wheels, mechanism for adjusting said frame into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, a kerf cutter, and an adjustable supporting struc ture intervening said extension frame arm and said kerf cutter for positioning said kerf cutter to cut a horizontal kerf at the level of the mine bottom outside and below the level of the mine trackway.

28. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to travel along a' mine trackway, a horizontal turntable on said frame, a support overlying and mounted on said turntable for rotation therewith relative to said truck frame and for adjustment into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, said support overhanging the front end of the truck frame, adjustable kerf cutter supporting means including depending guideways on the forward extremity of said overhanging support, a horizontal kerf cutter arranged on said guideways for adjustment therealong into diiferent elevated positions, mechanism for rotating said turntable and adjusting said support as aforesaid, and devices arranged beneath the turntable between the front truck wheels and the truck frame for tilting said truck frame about the axes of the rear wheels to change the angle in altitude of the kerf cutter.

29. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable on said frame, a support overlying and mounted on said turntable for rotation therewith relative to said truck frame and for adjustment into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, said support overhanging the front end of the truck frame, adjustable kerf cutter supporting means including depending guideways on the forward extremity of said overhanging support, a horizontal kerf cutter arranged on said guideways for adjustment therealong into different elevated positions, mechanism for rotating said turntable and adjusting said support as aforesaid, and devices arranged beneath the turntable including adjustable mounting means for the front truck wheels for tiltingly moving said turntable relative to the front truck wheels about the axes of the rear truck Wheels to change the angle in altitude of the kerf cutter.

30. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled truck adapted to travel along a mine trackway, a horizontal turntable overlying the front truck wheel axes and tiltable in a vertical direction relative to the trackway, mounting means for the front truck wheels arranged beneath the turnable, adjustable devices between the truck wheel mounting means and turntable beneath the latter for tilting said turntable, a frame overlying and mounted on said turntable and having a horizontally extending arm-like extension overhanging the front edge of the turntable and projecting in advance of the front truck Wheels, mechanism for adjusting said frame into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, a kerf cutter, and an adjustable supporting structure intervening said extension frame arm and said 159 kerf cutter for positioning said kerf cutter to cut a horizontal kerf at the level of the mine bottom.

31. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported turntable mounted for tilting movement about transverse and longitudinal axes and adapted to run along a mine trackway, mounting means for the front truck wheels, and means including adjustable mechanism beneath the turntable associated with said mounting means for tilting said turntable about said transverse and longitudinal axes, a frame overlying and mounted on said turntable and having a horizontally extending arm-like extension overhanging the front edge of the turntable andprojecting in advance of the front support wheels, mechanism for adjusting said frame into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, a kerf cutter and an adjustable supporting structure intervening said extension frame arm and said kerf cutter for positioning said kerf cutter to cut a horizontal kerf at the level of the mine bottom.

32. In a mining apparatus, a wheel supported truck frame adapted to travel along a mine trackway and mounted for universal tilting movement relative to the horizontal, a horizontal turntable rotatably mounted on said tiltable truck frame, a frame structure overlying and mounted on said turntable and overhanging the forward end of said truck frame, mechanism for adjusting said frame structure into different elevated positions relative to said turntable, adjustthe mine trackway.

able kerf cutter supporting means including vertical guideways mounted on the overhanging extremity of said frame structure and extending downwardly in advance of the forward end of thetruck frame, and a horizontal kerf cutter mounted on said guideways for adjustment therealong into different elevated positions.

33. In a mining apparatus, a Wheel supported,

truck frame adapted to travel along a mine trackway and mounted for universal tilting tical guideways mounted on the overhanging extremity of said frame structure and extending downwardly in advance of the forward end of the truck frame, a horizontal kerf cutter mounted on said guideways for adjustment therealong into different elevated positions, said frame structure being adjustable with said turntable in horizontal planes relative to said tiltable frame and said kerf cutter being adjustable along said guideways, said kerf cutter adjustable into a position to cut a horizontal kerf at the level of the mine bottom outside and below the level of CHARLES F. OSGOOD. 

